Scuba diving in Tampa
Tampa diving offers the most varied artificial reef
system in the area. Tampa is famous for the
abundant large
fish that can be seen in the area. Snapper, kingfish,
bonito, mackerel and grouper frequent its dive sites. The
artificial reef system helped the growth of sea life and
provided a great spot for scuba diving. You also will find
its natural reefs very attractive for their beautiful
structure.
Always dive according to your level of training.
Never enter the water without checking with
Tampa dive
centers for safety, additional information, level required
for each dive site and without being accompanied by a
professional.
All the information provided is purely informative for our
readers and shouldn't be used as is to plan your immersion.
Average annual temperature: Between 22°C and 27°C.
(72° F and 82° F)
Average Water surface temperature: About 25° C (77°F)
Visibility often averaging: Visibility is between 60
and 100 feet (18 to 30 meters)
Coldest time: January
Warmest time: July
Possible to dive all year round.
Tampa dive sites are great spots for snorkeling and
diving. The great visibility and stable weather in the area
make it the most favorable diving area. Snorklers will have
the chance to swim with the manatees, which adds a new
experience. Tampa dive sites vary from deep to shallow and
from artificial to natural reefs; which suit all levels of
expertise.
Some of Tampa dive sites.
South County Artificial Reef lies in 30 - 45 feet (9
- 14 meters) of water. This artificial reef area has
developed two reefs, the first one known as "Site One" it is
in about 45 feet (14 meters) of water. The second one is
"Tug Orange", a 100 years old tug forms this area and is
marked by a buoy. The site is home to kingfish, jacks,
spanish mackerel and bonita. The perfect visibility is great
for underwater photography.
Blackthorn was a ship that served in the U S. Coast
Guard for 40 years. It was badly damaged when it hit a
Russian passenger ship and sank in 1970. Now it forms an
artificial reef and lies at a depth of 65 - 80 feet (20 - 24
meters). The visibility is not that good in the area because
of silt and penetration is not recommended. The wreck became
home to great amounts of fish like goliath grouper, snapper,
mackerel and schools of spadefish as well as some whale
sharks.
Sheridan is a breathtaking artificial reef. This
advanced site is the best wreck site in Tampa; it lies in 50
- 80 feet (15 - 24 meters) of water. The site is a great
place to observe marine life; it is home to goliath grouper,
crevelle jack, trigger fish, and barracuda. Spanish
mackerel, amberjack, snapper, and shark also frequent the
wreck site.
Gunsmoke, an old shrimper was used to smuggle
marijuana, as some stories says. The ship sank in 1977 and
now lies in 70 - 80 feet (21 - 24 meters) of water. The
wreck is a very interesting dive site with plenty of sea
life.
Indian Shores Reef is an artificial reef started in
1962. The site now has three sunken ships and each is over
200 feet (61 meters) long. The wrecks lie at a depth of 40 -
46 feet (12 - 14 meters) and are home to abundant sea life.
St. Pete Beach Reef is an artificial reef lies in 30
- 35 feet (9 - 11 meters). The reef formed in 1984 when
200-feet (61 meters) steel barge was scuttled in the area.
The site is marked by yellow buoys. |
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